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How did Alaska become a State

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[[File:1024px-St Michaels Cathedral - Sitka - back.jpeg|thumb|left|Figure 1. St. Michael's Cathedral i in Sitka was originally built in 1848, with the city of Sitka serving as Russia's capital in North America.]]__NOTOC__Alaska is known as the 49th state, only becoming a state of the United States in 1959. By that point, however, it had been colonized, first by the Russian Empire, and settled by non-indigenous populations since at least 1730s or earlier. Alaska was known as a land of rich resources and, when the US purchased the land in 1867, it also became a key part of US national defense.
====Russian Settlement====After 1581, Alaska became the 49th state of the Russian Empire began to greatly expand eastward across SiberiaUnited States in 1959. By the early 1600s1859, it Alaska's control had reached the Bering Sea. Some sources claim that the first Russia settlement was established by Semyon Dezhnyov, a Russian explorer who was the first Russian to cross the Bering Sea. The settlement may have been near the Koyuk River near Seward Alaska. By the early 18th century, Peter the Great had begun to renew Russian expansion held numerous indigenous and colonization interests. In 1741, Vitus Bering, the man who would lend his name to the Bering Sea, navigated across the the sea and arrived near Yakutat, Alaska. Bering would eventually die from scurvy during his second expedition but his travels were successful as it showed Alaska to be very wealthynon-indigenous colonizers, attracting fur traders and missionaries to Alaska. The first permanent Russian settlement was founded in 1784. Throughout by the remainder of the 18th century, Russian coloniesEmpire, mostly small and along the coastal regions of Alaska, were establishedsettled by non-indigenous populations since at least 1730s or earlier. The Spanish also became increasingly interested in the Pacific Northwest in the 1780s, establishing a fort in Nootka Sound in modern British Columbia. Areas in southern Alaskawas blessed with rich natural resources, such as around Valdez, Alaska, became temporarily explored and trading areas for this wealth encouraged the Spanish, although within a few years US to purchase the Spanish had effectively left the region. This prompted Russian interests as well to expand southward land in Alaska1867. In 1799, During the Fort of Archangel Michael, later becoming Novo-Arkhangelsk and later modern day SitkaCold War, Alaska, was established as the capital of the Alaskan colonies. The old fort was destroyed in 1802 when native Tlingit attacked the fortification, but the site was returned to Russia control after an invasion in 1804 (Figure 1). Russia efforts became more concentrated in southern Alaska. This was also a time of great expansion of Russian interests, as Russian settlers reached modern-day areas of California by 1812, settling what is today's Fort Ross about 90 miles north key component of San Francisco.<ref>For more on Russian colonization and settlement in Alaska, see: Black, L. (2004). <i>Russians in Alaska, 1732-1867</i>. Fairbanks: University of Alaska FairbanksUS national defense.</ref>
By ====Why did Russia Settle Alaska?====After 1581, the 1840s, US expansion Russian Empire sought to expand eastward across North America increased in earnest with the American-Mexican warSiberia. California and Oregon were also soon purchased and future (after the Civil War) Secretary of State William Seward once stated: "Our population is destined to roll resistless waves to By the ice barriers of the northearly 1600s, and to encounter oriental civilization on the shores of the Pacific." This signaled interested in areas north of modern Washington, although expansion into these regions it had to wait until after reached the Civil WarBering Sea. During this time, Some sources claim that the first Russian colonies settlement in Alaska were financially strugglingwas established by Semyon Dezhnyov, as a Russian explorer who was the fur trade suffered from over exploitation, while Russia itself became deeply embroiled with first Russian to cross the Crimean War in 1853Bering Sea. This put a major financial strain on Russia and it began to look for ways to raise revenue as its colonies were costing it money.<ref>For more on The settlement may have been near the period right before the purchase of Koyuk River near Seward, Alaska by . By the US, see: Farrowearly 18th century, L. A. (2016). <i>Seward’s folly: a new look at Peter the Alaska Purchase</i>. Fairbanks, Alaska: University of Alaska PressGreat had begun to renew Russian expansion and colonization interests.</ref>
====US Purchase====[[File:528px-1860-russian-america.jpg|thumb|Figure 2. Map from 1860 showing Russian America.]]Since the late 1700s trip by Captain James Cook, British interests in the western North American increased. This did prompt concerns in the US over British interests in the region. US fur traders, originally restricted in trading in Alaska by the Russo-American Treaty of 1824, ignored this treaty and increasingly traded with Alaska after the 1820s. Native populationsIn 1741, particularly AleutVitus Bering, were decimated by the Russians through disease and war. Russian continued man who would lend his name to face stiff native resistance through the 1850sBering Sea, with navigated across the Tlingits never being conquered sea and threatening key Russia settlements. Native populationsarrived near Yakutat, in fact, rebounded in the 1850s as Russian power declinedAlaska. With the Civil War overBering would eventually die from scurvy during his second expedition, and Russia still facing financial problems, the stage was set in 1867 for the United States but his travels were successful enough to purchase determine that Alaska. While expansion north of Washington state eluded the United States, William Seward still strongly believed in Manifest Destiny for the United States. The United States purchases Alaska for US$7.2 million, about $132 million in 2020 US dollars (Figure 2), under Secretary of State Seward guidance. Initially, many in the US ridiculed the purchase, leading people could be very beneficial to call the purchase Seward’s follyRussia. The first day the US gained power in Alaska was October 18, 1867, today known as Alaska Day. The importance of Alaska as a defensive possession permanent Russian settlement was evident founded in how it was governed, with US Army, US Department of the Treasury, and US Navy tasked with governing under the government called the Department of Alaska until 18841784. Sitka remained as Throughout the main settlement for the US during this time. In 188418th century, the Department of Alaska changed to the District of Alaska as civilian rule was now extended across the state. The 1896 Yukon Gold Rush (or known as the Klondike Gold Rush)Russian colonies, which was mostly in neighboring Yukon, Canada, benefited Alaska as more settlers moved inland small and exploration of the interior hastened. Towns along the Alaska-Canada border became established. In 1899's coastal regions, gold was found near Nome, Alaska, prompting construction of the Seward-Nome railway and establishment of towns such as Fairbanks. Throughout the early 20th century, mining and fishing expanded throughout the state, in particular western Alaska. The wildlife of Alaska began to greatly suffer, particularly seals and whales that were over-hunted.<ref>For more on the early history of US governing in Alaska and Native perspectives, see: Haycox, S. W., & Mangusso, M. C. (Eds.). (1996). <i>An Alaska anthology: interpreting the past</i>. Seattle: University of Washington Pressestablished. </ref>
The Spanish also became increasingly interested in the Pacific Northwest in the 1780s, establishing a fort in Nootka Sound in modern British Columbia. Areas in southern Alaska, such as around Valdez, Alaska, became temporarily explored and trading areas for the Spanish, although the Spanish had effectively left the region within a few years. Spain's interest prompted Russian efforts to expand southward in Alaska.  In 1799, the Fort of Archangel Michael, later becoming Novo-Arkhangelsk and later modern-day Sitka, Alaska, was established as the Alaskan colonies' capital. The old fort was destroyed in 1802 when native Tlingit attacked the fortification, but the site was returned to Russian control after an invasion in 1804 (Figure 1). Russian efforts became more concentrated in southern Alaska.  Russia's expansion in Alaska coincided with Russian efforts to dramatically its interests and influence in North America. Russian settlers even reached modern-day areas of California by 1812. They settled near today's Fort Ross, which is about 90 miles north of San Francisco.<ref>For more on Russian colonization and settlement in Alaska, see: Black, L. (2004). <i>Russians in Alaska, 1732-1867</i>. Fairbanks: University of Alaska Fairbanks.</ref> By the 1840s, US expansion across North America increased in earnest with the American-Mexican war. California and Oregon were also soon purchased, and the future (after the Civil War) Secretary of State William Seward once stated: "Our population is destined to roll resistless waves to the ice barriers of the north and encounter oriental civilization on the shores of the Pacific." This belief signaled interest in areas north of modern Washington, although expansion into these regions had to wait until after the Civil War.  During this time, the Russian colonies in Alaska were financially struggling because the fur trade suffered from overexploitation. Russia's expansion efforts were sidelined after it became deeply embroiled with the Crimean War in 1853. This conflict created a major financial strain for Russia, and it was forced to look for ways to raise revenue. Russia's colonies were not profitable, and they were costing it money.<ref>For more on the period right before the purchase of Alaska by the US, see: Farrow, L. A. (2016). <i>Seward’s folly: a new look at the Alaska Purchase</i>. Fairbanks, Alaska: University of Alaska Press.</ref> ====Why made the United States Purchase Alaska?====Becoming [[File:528px-1860-russian-america.jpg|thumb|left|Figure 2. Map from 1860 showing Russian America.]]Since the late 1700s trip by Captain James Cook, British interests in western North American increased. This interest prompted concerns in the US over possible British expansion into the region. American fur traders, originally restricted from trading in Alaska by the Russo-American Treaty of 1824, ignored this treaty and increasingly traded with Alaska after the 1820s. Native populations, particularly the Aleut, were decimated by the Russians through disease and war. Russian colonists continued to face stiff native resistance through the 1850s. The Tlingits were never conquered by Russia and threatening key settlements.  Native populations, in fact, rebounded in the 1850s as Russian power declined. As the Civil War ended, the United States had a unique opportunity to take advantage of Russia's weakness. Russia's continued financial problems set the stage for the United States to purchase Alaska in 1867. While expansion north of Washington state had previously eluded the United States, William Seward still strongly believed in Manifest Destiny for the United States. The United States purchased Alaska for US$7.2 million, about $132 million in 2020 US dollars (Figure 2), under Secretary of State Seward's guidance.  Initially, many Americans ridiculed the purchase, leading people to call the purchase Seward's folly. The first day the US gained power in Alaska was October 18, 1867, today known as Alaska Day. The importance of Alaska as a defensive possession soon became evident. The US Army, US Department of the Treasury, and US Navy were tasked with governing the territory called the Department of Alaska until 1884. Sitka remained as the main settlement for the US during this time.  In 1884, the Department of Alaska changed to the District of Alaska as the civilian rule was now extended across the state. The 1896 Yukon Gold Rush (or known as the Klondike Gold Rush), mostly in neighboring Yukon, Canada, benefited Alaska as more settlers moved inland and exploration of the interior hastened. Towns along the Alaska-Canada border became established. In 1899, gold was found near Nome, Alaska, prompting the construction of the Seward-Nome railway and establishing towns such as Fairbanks.  Throughout the early 20th century, mining and fishing expanded throughout the state, in particular western Alaska. The wildlife of Alaska began to suffer greatly, particularly seals and whales that were over-hunted.<ref>For more on the early history of US governing in Alaska and Native perspectives, see: Haycox, S. W., & Mangusso, M. C. (Eds.). (, 1996). <i>An Alaska Anthology: interpreting the past</i>. Seattle: University of Washington Press. </ref> ====How did Alaska become a State?====The Second Organic Act in 1912 formally made Alaska a United States territory by this time. Still, with the population then being over there were only 50,000 in the stateregion. The Additionally, the 1930s saw was a challenging economic time for Alaska. There were multiple crashes in mining and fishing prices for Alaskans, depressing which depressed the economy. However, some US settlers came as President Roosevelt saw the region near modern Anchorage, Alaska , as being conducive for to agriculture and settled some US citizens . Some Americans were convinced to settle in the region area to develop agriculture as part of in the economystate.  The 1930s and 1940s saw the airplane becoming become the most important essential vehicle of transport, as the lack of roads and railroads made this the easiest way to move around the state. This technological advance helped Alaskans expand across the state.  World War II would make turned Alaska, once again, an important part into a critical component of US national defensepolicy. First, it was the Japanese invasion of Japanese in World War II, with the occupation of Attu and Kiska 's occupation in the Aleutian islandsIslands, during the war increasing US military commitment. Even todayThroughout Alaska, throughout Alaska defensive embankments and fortifications for an anticipated larger , more massive invasion can be seen in different parts of the statestates. The Alaska–Canada Military Highway, was used to supply the USSR during the war with US war materials, . It was built in 1942, connecting Alaska to the mainland US via a highway system for the first time. One could now drive from Minnesota to Fairbanks, Alaska, which also helped increase trade and the state's population of the state.  The city of Anchorage in the 1940s became Alaska's largest city as it expanded due to military personnel being based in Alaska and increasing the number of bases built. The discovery of oil in the Kenai Peninsula in 1957 and the rise of the Cold War in 1945 led increased Alaska's value and pushed the desire to turn Alaska being seen as an important US territory for defense and resourcesinto a state. In 1958, President Eisenhower in 1958 signed the Alaska Statehood Act that would formally bring brought the territory to statehood in 1959. Many worried Alaska would not be able to support itself financially as a state.  The 9.2 1964 Good Friday (March 27) Earthquake, North America's largest -ever recorded earthquake, while devastating, did demonstrate the demonstrated that Alaska could was resilient. It quickly recover recovered financially from the tragedy, and its bountiful resources proved played a key role. These resources also became a significant draw for corporationscorporate investment. This helped cement the state's population growth and drive drove the push for statehood. Native rights were still discriminatory Unfortunately, by Alaskan law, until 1945, openly discriminated against Native Americans until the 1945—the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 was signed that banned curbed discrimination in the state against Alaskan Natives.  Because the state was admitted relatively late in US history, Native rights have been better protected and today . Today, much of the state is owed still owned by Native populations. For instance, in the 1958 statehood Act, the provision made it illegal for land to be taken away from Native titleholders, which was never the case . This legal provision did not apply in any of the lower 48 states.<ref>For more on the years before statehood and how the push for statehood developed, see: Naske, C.-M., & Slotnick, H. E. (1987). <i>Alaska: a history of the 49th state (2nd ed.)</i>. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.</ref>
====Summary====
Alaska was always seen as a resource-rich land that drove, first Russia, then the Spanish, English, and later US settlers to its vast lands. Native Alaskans, similar to other regions in North America, endured hostility, disease, and war. Still, but relative to their peers in other parts of the US, they have been able to control much of the lands in their native regions. Relative to the state's entire population of the state, about 120,000 of the 740,000 people in the state claim indigenous ancestry. Alaskan Native Corporations have also helped the state's native population to benefit financially from the state's their wealth.
====References====

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